Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has blown the lid off a heartless scam in which con artists are cashing in on the tragic deaths of children in Kuwadzana.
Three children who had been reported missing were found dead in the boot of a Mercedes Benz vehicle last week in Harare’s Kuwadzana suburb.
In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said fraudsters are duping the public into sending money through EcoCash and InnBucks accounts allegedly run by one Josephine Mutongi, claiming the funds will assist bereaved families or bankroll a protest over supposed “missing body parts.”
He said it is all a lie.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns criminals who are now taking advantage of the Kuwadzana children’s tragedy to mobilize the public to deposit or send money into Ecocash and InnBucks accounts owned or controlled by Josephine Mutongi,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi investigations had shown no evidence that any of the victims were mutilated. “For the record, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has no evidence that one or all of the victims had missing body parts,” he said. “A full post-mortem will be conducted on 6 October 2025, in Harare and the results will be made public in consultation with the families.”
Police revealed that the families of the victims have distanced themselves from Mutongi, accusing her of exploiting the tragedy for personal gain.
“She is openly using social media platforms to create confusion among Zimbabweans,” said Comm Nyathi.
The warning comes after several social media posts went viral over the weekend, claiming that body parts were missing from the children’s remains — a claim that fueled public outrage and calls for demonstrations.
Comm Nyathi warned those pushing for violence or illegal gatherings that the law will take its course “without fear or favour.”
“The public should respect the privacy of the grieving families and allow the police to find out what exactly happened in this sad incident,” he said.
The Kuwadzana tragedy has gripped the nation, sparking grief, anger, and — now — a chilling wave of deceit from opportunists preying on raw emotions.
Police say anyone caught spreading fake news or soliciting funds under false pretences will be arrested.
